The Staff of Exceptional Family Center
Virginia M. Gantong, M.A. - Co-Founder of Exceptional Family Center -Executive Director
Virginia began her career as a teacher for individuals with developmental disabilities at New Advances for People with Disabilities, formerly known as Easter Seals. Her dedication and passion for working with this population led her to a position at Kern Regional Center (KRC), where she devoted over 30 years to various case management roles. She initially served as a Service Coordinator in the Residential Unit, then moved to the Prevention Unit, now known as Early Start, and later worked in the Assessment Unit. Her hard work and commitment saw her promoted to Program Manager and eventually to Director of Client Services, a position she held for many years until her departure in 2013.
While at KRC, Virginia, alongside parents and other professionals, began attending the Fiesta Educative at USC. Recognizing the need for a Spanish-language conference in Kern County, they co-founded the Celebración de Familias Excepcionales. This initiative eventually led to the creation of the Exceptional Family Center and Early Start Family Resource Center. Exceptional Family all Spanish speaking conference will be celebrating its 15th year anniversary September 2026.
Virginia has devoted her career to providing support to families and clients with special needs. Virginia feels excited and privileged to continue her impactful work, driven by her passion, commitment, and dedication to supporting individuals with special needs and their families. Virginia loves traveling, spending time family and her 6 grandkids and going to Dodger baseball games in LA.
contact: [email protected]
Grace Huerta- Co-Founder of Exceptional Family Center-Early Start Resource Specialist
Grace is the proud Mother of two adult children and son-in-law with developmental disabilities. Graduate of USC department of Education. She is the co-founder of the Exceptional Family Center located in Kern County, Vice President of The Arc of California Board of Directors, Chairperson of Latino El Arc de California, member of SPARK Autism DEI Advisory Board. The diagnosis of her children began her desire for knowledge.
Early on, the success of her children depended on her learning how to navigate the array of services that they needed. Thanks to the experience gained as a Kern Regional Center Board member and other school district parent advisory board opportunities, Grace began the journey of learning from others. She was introduced to The Arc of California Partners and Policy Making advocacy program, where The Arc trainers increased her advocacy skills and showed her how to harness the passion each parent individually possessed towards unified collective action. Sharing and equipping others on how to champion their children is a true privilege.
contact:[email protected]
Manuel G. Flores, MBA -EFC Program Director
Manuel began his journey with the Exceptional Family Center (EFC) in August 2012 as a computer instructor and stepped into the role of Program Director in November 2014. Alongside his directorial duties, he continues to teach computer classes and contributes significantly to community outreach as a Notary Public.
Manuel is dedicated to empowering parents of children with special needs by equipping them with essential computer skills. He collaborates with the Exceptional Team to enhance families' lives by providing vital resources and support. His mission is to eliminate barriers to accessing these resources and information.
Outside of his professional life, Manuel enjoys road trips, exploring farmers’ markets, and watching baseball with his family.
contact: [email protected]
Adi Sanchez- SSI Specialist/SSI Application Assistance
Adi has dedicated 12 years to working with individuals with special needs. Throughout this journey, she has come to appreciate the significance of patience, compassion, and recognizing the unique needs of each family. She is committed to learning daily how to better assist families and connect them with valuable resources.
Adi is truly passionate about ensuring families feel supported, understood, and well-informed. In my free time, I enjoy running, exploring nature, and creating memorable experiences with my family and community.
contact: [email protected]
Alexis B. Lopez- SSI Specialist/Bilingual
Alexis possesses over eight years of experience in providing support to individuals with special needs and their families. She has a substantial background in case management and facilitating Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy for individuals in crisis.
Alexis holds an Associate in Arts degree in Psychology as well as an Associate in Arts degree in Communication. Within the field of special needs therapy, she has worked as an ABA Therapist, assisting individuals with Autism in acquiring new skills, improving behaviors, and enhancing their daily functioning.
Advocating for those who may not always have a voice is a core belief of Alexis. She is committed to ensuring that every individual is treated with compassion, respect, and dignity. These fundamental values inform all her interactions and professional endeavors. By dedicating time to listen to and understand each person's unique challenges, Alexis strives to foster a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to navigate life with confidence and stability.
A guiding quote for her is: “We rise by lifting others.”
contact: [email protected]
Angelica “Angie” Montes-BSHS SSI Specialist/Bilingual
Angie has more than 40 years of experience serving individuals with disabilities and their families. Her passion for supporting the special needs community began at a young age while helping care for a physically disabled family member. Those early experiences fostered a lifelong commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities and ensuring they receive the care, services, and respect they deserve. Growing up, Angie frequently accompanied her grandmother to medical appointments, surgeries, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, serving as a translator and advocate for family members. These experiences gave her firsthand insight into the challenges many families face, particularly those with language barriers or limited knowledge of available resources and services.
Following high school, Angie began her career with the Earlimart School District, where she worked as a Special Needs Aide at both the middle school and preschool after-school program. She continued her education at Porterville College and Bakersfield College, earning an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts. She also completed a certificate program in Applied Behavior Analysis before earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from the University of Phoenix in 2011. Throughout her career, Angie has worked with individuals of all ages, including medically fragile newborns, children, adolescents, and adults with diverse developmental and physical disabilities. Her professional experience has strengthened her compassionate approach, strong communication skills, and belief that every individual is unique. She recognizes that a diagnosis does not define a person and is committed to treating each individual with dignity, understanding, and respect.
Since 2023, Angie has had the privilege of serving as an SSI Specialist at Exceptional Family Center, where she assists individuals and families with applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and connects them with additional resources tailored to their unique needs. She is passionate about empowering families to access the support they deserve and believes that every person should be recognized for their abilities—not defined by a diagnosis.
contact: [email protected]
Juanita Alcala- SSI Specialist
Juanita began volunteering at Exceptional Family Center (EFC) in August 2016, driven by her parents' unwavering dedication to serving the community. Throughout her time as a volunteer, she played a vital role in various programs, scheduling SSI appointments, assisting with community events, and promoting EFC's services. Her relentless commitment and hard work earned her a full-time position, leading her to her current impactful role as an SSI Specialist. To Juanita, EFC transcends being just a workplace; it is a vibrant community where she takes immense pride in making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families.
As a devoted mother of a son with autism, she intimately understands the challenges that parents face and strives to offer unwavering support. In her role as an SSI Specialist, Juanita manages SSI cases, coordinates referrals, conducts initial client interviews, and guides families through the Social Security application process. She is deeply passionate about providing compassionate support, ensuring families navigate the complexities of SSI while connecting them to essential resources and services. Beyond her professional duties, Juanita is dedicated to her continuous growth. She actively pursues training opportunities, volunteers in the community, and engages in outreach efforts to expand the mission and services of Exceptional Family Center.
contact: [email protected]
Jazmin Ledezma- Community Navigator
Bringing nearly nine years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families. Before joining EFC, Jazmin worked at New Advances, where she gained valuable experience supporting people with disabilities and learned the importance of meeting each individual where they are. Having family members with disabilities has also given Jazmin a personal perspective that has shaped the way she approaches her work. These experiences have helped her understand the importance of looking beyond a diagnosis and taking the time to understand each person and family from their own perspective. Jazmin is passionate about supporting families and helping them navigate the many systems and resources available to them. In her role at EFC, she helps families connect with community resources, understand available services, and navigate the process. She believes that families should never feel like they have to figure everything out on their own and strives to be someone they can count on for guidance throughout their journey. One of the things Jazmin enjoys most about her work is building genuine relationships with the families and community partners she serves. She finds it rewarding to help families feel heard and supported as they advocate for themselves and their loved ones.
Outside of work, Jazmin enjoys spending time with her family, taking nature walks, and making memories with the people she loves. She is also a big fan of good snacks and an energy drink to keep her going! Jazmin is grateful to be part of the Exceptional Family Center team and feels fortunate to have a career that allows her to support and connect with families while making a meaningful difference in her community.
contact: [email protected]
Kassandra Biviano- SSI Specialist
Kassandra Biviano embarked on her meaningful journey with the Exceptional Family Center in late 2018, starting as an intern with the Kern High School District. It wasn't long before her dedication led her to a full-time position as the front-desk receptionist, and she soon progressed to an SSI specialist role. Throughout her career, Kassandra has achieved several degrees, including an Associate of Science, an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, and an Associate in Early Childhood Education. Most recently, she proudly earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies.
Kassandra's commitment to her community is truly inspiring. She works tirelessly to advocate for families, children, and young adults with disabilities, ensuring they receive the vital services they deserve. In her role, she assists families with their SSI applications, providing support during what can often be a challenging process. Kassandra frequently participates in community vendor fairs and volunteers at food banks, always seeking to make a difference in the lives of others. Believing that there is always something new to learn, Kassandra is dedicated to expanding her knowledge so she can share it with the families she serves. Her heartfelt desire to support and uplift those around her shines through in every interaction, as she strives to make a positive impact in their lives in any way she can.
contact: [email protected]
Jenny Rodriguez-SSI Specialist
Jenny has over seven years of experience in supporting individuals with disabilities and their families across various settings. She began her career as a Direct Support Professional, assisting those with Dementia and Alzheimer's, before moving to support adults with developmental disabilities. As a Client Coordinator at an adult day program, Jenny helped individuals enhance daily living skills, foster independence, and achieve personal goals. She collaborated with families, service providers, and Kern Regional Center (KRC) to ensure comprehensive support. Her expertise spans person-centered planning, family collaboration, advocacy, and community resources.
At Exceptional Family Center (EFC), Jenny now serves as an SSI and CalFresh Specialist. She excels in guiding families through complex systems, connecting them to impactful resources.
Jenny is also a devoted mother to a son with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Her experiences as his primary caregiver have enriched her professional perspective, providing her with deep insights into the challenges families face. Her dual role as a parent and professional highlights the importance of patience, persistence, and celebrating all achievements. Jenny values ensuring families feel heard, supported, and understood on their journey.
contact: [email protected]
Norma Tuiasosopo (Nena)- Early Start Resource Specialist/ Community Navigator
Nena as extensive experience supporting children with developmental disabilities and their families through Early Start services, SSI application assistance, community resource navigation, and advocacy. She works closely with families, medical providers, and community agencies to help connect children to the services and supports they need to thrive.
She is passionate about helping families navigate complex systems and access resources that improve their quality of life. As a proud Autism mom, she understands both the professional and personal side of supporting individuals with disabilities. Nena also enjoys building relationships with families and empowering them with information, support, and encouragement throughout their journey
contact: [email protected]
Marcella Frankson (Marcy) - Early Start Resource Specialist/ Community Navigator
Marcella has devoted over eight years to the field of Early Childhood Education. She holds an associate's degree in child development: Early Childhood Education, as well as another in Liberal Arts: Social & Behavioral Science. Additionally, she possesses a Child Development Master Teacher Certification and a Child Development Site Supervisor Certification. Marcella also holds a teaching permit authorizing her to teach children in grades K-12 in the state of California. Currently, she is pursuing her bachelor's degree in childhood and Adolescence Development at California State University, Sacramento. As a mother of five, she is intimately aware of the challenges of parenting, particularly as two of her children receive services from the Regional Center, one of whom faces a complex chronic illness due to a genetic syndrome.
Exceptional Family Resource Center feels like an extended family to Marcella. She is surrounded by individuals dedicated to supporting those in need and believes that even a simple phone call can profoundly impact someone's life.
In her free time, Marcella enjoys spending quality moments with her family. Their favorite activities include fishing, roasting s'mores around the firepit, taking walks with their dogs, and visiting their favorite amusement park—Disneyland.
contact: [email protected]
Vanessa Salado (Vane) - SSI Specialist/ Early Start Resource Specialist
Vanessa has experience supporting families of children with developmental disabilities by connecting them to community resources, navigating regional center services, and providing guidance on programs such as early start, SSI, Cal fresh, and other family support services.
As both a professional and a parent of children with autism she understands the importance of compassionate support and empowering families to advocate for their children. She is passionate about helping others feel supported, informed, and empowered. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with the families she serves and strives to make a positive difference in their lives.
contact:[email protected]
Eduardo J Perez (Lalo)- SSI Specialist
Lalo has had hands-on experience supporting an individual with special needs through helping care for his sister, who has Down syndrome. Growing up, he regularly assisted his mother with his sisters care and accompanied her to many appointments, activities, and community events. This experience has helped him develop patience, compassion, strong communication skills, and an understanding of the unique needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. He is passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive environment where children and families feel valued and respected, he is very approachable. Lalo's goal is to help as many people as possible and leave a lasting, positive impression on as many families as he can. EFC was there for his family when he was a child, helping his mother through difficult times.
Now, he has the opportunity to give back to our community through EFC. He has learned that you don’t need a degree or diploma to be a caring, compassionate, and helpful person. What matters most is having a genuine desire to make a difference in someone’s life.
contact: [email protected]
Grace Cruz- Early Start Resource Specialist
Grace possesses extensive experience in supporting children and families, both professionally and personally. With over 15 years of providing respite home care for children and individuals with special needs, she has gained invaluable hands-on experience with a diverse range of developmental, behavioral, and physical disabilities.
Additionally, Grace spent more than a decade at the Hearts Connection Family Empowerment Center, where she assisted families in understanding and navigating the IEP process, connected them with community resources, and facilitated parent support groups. Her work in community outreach has further enabled families to access services that promote children's development and overall well-being. As a parent of children with special needs, Grace offers firsthand insights into advocating for her own children while understanding the challenges and triumphs that families face.
She is deeply passionate about supporting families and creating pathways for them to access essential resources. Her personal journey as a parent of children with special needs, coupled with her community work, has reinforced her dedication to advocacy, inclusion, and empowering families. Grace believes in fostering strong community partnerships to create a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.
Grace believes that every family deserves to feel heard, supported, and connected. She is passionate about building lasting relationships with the families she serves and strives to be a trusted source of encouragement throughout their journey. She often reflects on the support she received during some of the most challenging times in her own life and is committed to offering that same compassion and guidance to others. She believes that strong partnerships, empathy, and community connections can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.
Her Favorite Quote
"Sometimes, the difficult things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us."
This quote holds a special place in Grace's heart. As a mother of children with special needs, there were moments when she wasn't sure how she would make it through the challenges she faced. Looking back, those experiences led her to remarkable people, lifelong friendships, and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of other families. They shaped her purpose and inspired her dedication to supporting others on their own journeys.
contact: [email protected]
Gerardo Sarabia-SSI Specialist
Gerardo began his journey as an SSI Specialist at Exceptional Family Center in October 2025, where he has the honor of assisting children and families in navigating the SSI process. This role is particularly significant him, as his six-year-old niece has been diagnosed with autism, which has given him a personal understanding of the challenges and strengths that many families encounter. Working at Exceptional Family Center has broadened his awareness of the resources available to families and has deepened my compassion, patience, and empathy. His aim is to ensure that every family feels heard, supported, and confident, knowing they have someone who truly cares and is dedicated to helping them.
contact: [email protected]
Norma Alcala- Receptionist
Norma began volunteering at Exceptional Family Center in 2017 and later join the EFC team, as a receptionist in 2021. Having family members with special needs has given her a personal understanding of the challenges and needs that many families experience. Norma is grateful to have the opportunity to support families throughout the community by helping with questions, providing guidance and access resources that they are needing.
contact: [email protected]
